With heavy hearts, the family of LUDMILA “LIL” ANNE KEMPENAAR, announces her passing, all too early, on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at the age of 63.

Besides her loving husband, Lil is lovingly cherished by her children: Paul (Michele), Nancy (Tim) Mugford, and Julie (Carmen) Bruder; her five grandchildren: Megan, Cody, Madison, Latisa, and Destiny. She was predeceased by her parents, Vencl and Marie, her brothers, Louis and Lada.

Lil was born on June 9, 1948 in Lethbridge to Vencl and Marie Hrncirik. She grew up on the farm in Turin and moved into Lethbridge in 1963. She graduated from CCH in 1966. She then got a degree from Olds College in Fashion and Design in 1967. Lil married Ben on June 15, 1968. After her children were born, her life was dedicated to raising her three kids, working and volunteering. She spent over 40 years volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society and cherished her time there. Another organization she was committed to was the Czechoslovak Canadian Cultural Society of Southern Alberta, holding various board positions throughout many years. In September 2003, Lil was diagnosed with a brain tumor and was given a year to live. She beat it for almost eight years. She went through two surgeries, radiation, and a year and a half of chemotherapy and enjoyed the next seven years. She was able to visit her family in the Czech Republic and enjoyed trips to Cuba and Jamaica. She endured another surgery in May 2011 in hopes of enjoying another few years but it was not meant to be. Lil enjoyed camping, curling, bowling, and sewing, as well as many other crafts and volunteering in many different aspects of the community. Lil was a very active Grandma and participated heavily in all of her grandchildren’s extracurricular activities and loved it!

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 - 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 1:00pm with Reverend Ed Flannigan and Deacon Cliff Bogdan officiating. Interment to follow at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lil may be made to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, 620 Colburne Street, Suite 301, London, Ontario, N6B 3R9.